BREAKING! Evidence Found That SARS-CoV-2 Even Delves Into The Skull Bones Of Those Infected!
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jul 05, 2024 4 months, 2 weeks, 2 days, 15 hours, 9 minutes ago
COVID-19 News: A Shocking Discovery in Finland
Researchers in Finland have made a startling discovery: SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, has been found in the skull bones of infected individuals. This groundbreaking finding that is covered in this
COVID-19 News report comes from a study conducted by the University of Helsinki, Helsinki University Central Hospital, and the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare.
SARS-CoV-2 Even Delves Into The Skull Bones Of Those Infected
The Study: Autopsies Reveal Hidden Presence
The study involved 22 deceased individuals who had confirmed cases of COVID-19. During the autopsies, researchers collected samples of skull sawdust - a byproduct of the skull sawing process used to access the brain. Surprisingly, SARS-CoV-2 was detected in these samples. Out of the 22 cases, 2 (9.1%) showed the presence of the virus via PCR tests, and in one case (4.5%), the virus was even found to be alive and active.
Importance of Autopsies
Autopsies are crucial for understanding how diseases affect the body, as they allow for comprehensive examination of all tissues and organs. Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, autopsies were rare due to fears of virus transmission and a lack of personal protective equipment (PPE). However, they provide invaluable insights, such as the discovery made in this study.
Occupational Risks and Safety Measures
Conducting autopsies can pose a risk of infection to medical personnel, depending on the pathogen involved. For example, tuberculosis can significantly increase the risk of infection for pathologists. In the case of COVID-19, viable SARS-CoV-2 has been detected in tissues long after death, but no cases of transmission during autopsies have been reported.
Challenges in Autopsy Settings
One major challenge during autopsies is the protection against aerosols, especially when using tools like bone saws, which can release tiny particles into the air. Sawing the skull is a standard procedure, and until now, SARS-CoV-2 had not been documented in skull tissues. This study, therefore, highlights a new potential risk area.
Study Details and Results
The study was part of the Clin_COVID-19 master study, approved by the Helsinki University Hospital Ethics Committee. All autopsies were clinical, not forensic, and followed strict legal and ethical guidelines in Finland. The examinations were conducted at the HUS Diagnostic Center in Helsinki.
The researchers found SARS-CoV-2 in various tissues:
100% of airway samples
45.5% of non-airway samples
0% of central nervous system samples
9.1% of skull sawdust samples
59.1% of autopsy table samples
These findings indicate that while the virus is predominantly present in the respiratory system, it can also be found in other parts of the body, including the bo
nes of the skull.
No Occupational Exposure Detected
Among the personnel involved in the autopsies, no cases of COVID-19 due to occupational exposure were identified. All personnel underwent serologic screening in June 2020, which came back negative, and none tested positive during the study period.
Implications and Safety Measures
The detection of SARS-CoV-2 in skull sawdust suggests that live virus can be present and potentially aerosolized during autopsies. This finding underscores the importance of using appropriate PPE and safety measures to protect medical personnel. Despite this, the overall risk of occupational infection remains low with proper precautions.
Conclusion
This study provides new insights into the distribution of SARS-CoV-2 in the body and highlights the importance of autopsies in understanding the virus. It also emphasizes the need for robust safety measures to protect those conducting autopsies. As we continue to learn more about COVID-19, studies like this are crucial in guiding our response and improving safety protocols.
The discovery of SARS-CoV-2 in skull bones is a significant finding that adds to our understanding of the virus's impact on the body. This study highlights the need for ongoing vigilance and research in the fight against COVID-19.
The study findings were published in the U.S. CDC’s journal: Emerging Infectious Diseases.
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/30/8/24-0145_article
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